Communication terminal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A communication terminal apparatus has a microphone module movable between an on-hook position adjacent to a main shell and a call position distanced from the main shell. The communication terminal apparatus also includes a transmitter/receiver circuit for modulating and transmitting an output signal from the microphone module, and demodulating and reproducing an input signal, a speaker unit for receiving the demodulated input signal and emitting it as an audible sound, a detector mechanism for detecting the position of the microphone module, and a controller device responsive to a detection signal from the detector mechanism for controlling the input and output of the voice signals. The controller device mutes the output signal of the microphone module upon the detector mechanism detecting that the microphone module is located at the on-hook position. Hence, the muting action is activated and deactivated by the movement of the microphone module. When the muting action of the muting means is activated, the transmitter/receiver circuit generates and transmits a hold signal to a calling party at the other end of the line for indicating that the line remains connected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication terminal apparatus, andmore particularly to a communication terminal apparatus having a speechinput device which includes a microphone and is arranged for movementbetween an on-hook position on a main shell and a call position, where acall is enabled, distanced from the on-hook position, and a controllerfor detecting the position of the speech input device relative to themain shell and using a detection signal to control the input and outputof a speech.

BACKGROUND ART

As portable radio phone systems have widely been in service, a varietyof multi-function communication terminal apparatuses are now availablefor communications in the systems. Such a multi-function communicationterminal apparatus offers auto-dial or speed call for selecting one froma plurality of telephone numbers stored in a memory installed in themain shell and dialing it automatically, as well as registering any nameand number to a list of telephone numbers in the memory.

The communication terminal apparatus for use with a portable radio phonesystem is of a hand-held type which is essentially required for havingminimum size and weight. For the purpose, each of the conventionalterminal apparatuses is equipped with a sheet type of dial keys, ahighly advanced battery(s), and a state-of-art integrated circuit whichall are light weight.

As every communication terminal apparatus has a transmitter and areceiver spaced from each other by a distance between the mouth and theear, its oversize depends on the distance between the transmitter andthe receiver. Commonly, the transmitter is spaced by 13.5 cm to 14.3 cmfrom the receiver and at an angle of 23.3 to 13.4 to the same. Forminimizing the overall size of the apparatus while satisfying thoserequirements, the transmitter is separated in structure from thereceiver; the two, transmitter and receiver, blocks of the apparatus arearranged foldable to each other. As the transmitter and receiver of thecommunication terminal apparatus remain folded down when not used, theirdimensions are minimized to a so-called pocket size. When a call ismade, the transmitter and receiver are opened up to the mouth-to-eardistance.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a communicationterminal apparatus having a main shell minimized in size and weight andadapted for performing multiple functions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a communicationterminal apparatus having multi-function controls without increasing thenumber of control keys, thus minimizing the overall size of its mainshell.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide acommunication terminal apparatus improved in the operability bycontrolling the input and output of voice signals during a call with theuse of movements of a transmitter module which acts as a speech inputmeans and is arranged movable relative to a main shell.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide acommunication terminal apparatus capable of informing a calling party atthe other end of the line that the line remains connected while a voicesignal is being muted, thus ensuring smooth transmission and receivingactions.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide acommunication terminal apparatus capable of muting voice signals of atransmitter or receiver module during a call to prevent transmission orreceiving of unwanted voice sounds thus increasing the effectiveness oftransmission and receiving actions.

For achievement of the above object, a communication terminal apparatusaccording to the present invention comprises: a speech input meansarranged movable from a position adjacent to a main shell to a positiondistanced from the main shell for calling; a speech output means forreproducing a received signal as an audible sound; a detector means fordetecting the position of the speech input means; and a controller meansresponsive to a detection signal from the detector means for controllingthe input and output of a voice signal.

The controller means includes a muting means responsive to the detectionsignal from the detector means for muting a signal output of the speechinput or output means. The muting means performs a muting action whenthe detection signal from the detector means indicates that the speechinput means is located at the position adjacent to the main shell.

The communication terminal apparatus of the present invention furthercomprises a means for generating a hold signal in response to the mutingaction of the muting means. The hold signal produced by the generatingmeans is transmitted to a calling party at the other end of the line.

The speech input means of the communication terminal apparatus comprisesan arm pivotably mounted to the main shell for movement between anon-hook position adjacent to the main shell and a call positiondistanced from the same, and a microphone unit mounted to the arm.

The detector means comprises a detection target made of a magnet andmounted to either the arm of the speech input means or the main shell,and a detector composed of a Hall device and mounted to the other.

Another communication terminal apparatus according to the presentinvention comprises: a microphone module arranged movable between anon-hook position adjacent to a main shell and a call position distancedfrom the main shell; a transmitter/receiver means for modulating andtransmitting an output signal from the microphone module, and modulatingand reproducing an input signal; a speaker module for emitting anaudible sound corresponding to the demodulated input signal from thetransmitter/receiver means; a detector means for detecting the positionof the microphone module; and a controller means responsive to adetection signal from the detector means for controlling the input andoutput of the voice signals. The controller means includes a mutingmeans for muting the output signal of the microphone module upon thedetector detecting that the microphone module is located at the on-hookposition.

Also, the communication terminal apparatus further comprises a means forgenerating in response to the muting action of the muting means a holdsignal which is then transmitted to the transmitter/receiver means andforwarded from the same.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing a transmitterturned open from a main shell to a call position.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transmitter held on the main shell.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a circuitry arrangement installed in acommunication terminal apparatus.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic diagrams explaining a small font.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are schematic diagrams explaining a large font.

FIG. 6, consisting of parts 6(A), 6(B) and 6(C), is a series ofillustrations explaining shift of one font to another due to the size ofinput characters.

FIG. 7, consisting of parts 7(A), 7(B) and 7(C), is a series ofillustrations explaining shift of a display screen with a menu key.

FIG. 8, consisting of parts 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C), is a series ofillustrations explaining shift of a display screen with a clear key.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing roughly the construction of arotary key.

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are plan views showing the construction of arotary encoder.

FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B) are waveform diagrams showing signal waveformsfrom the rotary encoder.

FIG. 12 is a series of illustrations explaining shift of a displayscreen with the rotary key.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing steps of operation of an input controlmechanism depending on the position of the transmitter.

FIG. 14 is a series of illustrations showing steps of calling procedure.

FIG. 15 is a series of illustrations showing steps of calling procedure.

FIG. 16, consisting of parts 16(A), 16(B), 16(C), 16(D) and 16(E), is aseries of illustrations showing steps of calling procedure with atelephone number list.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a row of character names in the telephonenumber list.

FIG. 18, consisting of parts 18(A), 18(B) and 18(C) is a series ofillustrations showing steps of retrieving a data with numeral keys.

FIG. 19, consisting of parts 19(A), 19(B) and 19(C), is a series ofillustrations explaining return from a detailed data screen to a listscreen.

FIG. 20, consisting of parts 20(A), 20(B), 20(C) and 20(D), is a seriesof illustrations showing a procedure of registering a name in thetelephone number list screen.

FIG. 21, consisting of parts 21(A), 21(B), 21(C), 21(D), and 21(E), is aseries of illustrations showing another procedure of registering a namein the telephone number list screen.

FIG. 22 is a series of illustrations showing a procedure of editingoptions in the telephone number list screen.

FIG. 23 is a series of illustrations showing menu screens.

FIG. 24, consisting of parts 24(A) and 24(B), is a series ofillustrations showing a detailed data screen for mode setting.

FIG. 25 is a series of illustrations showing mode setting screens.

FIG. 26, consisting of parts 26(A) and 26(B), is a series ofillustrations showing a detailed data screen for ringer setting.

FIG. 27, consisting of parts 27(A), 27(B) and 27(C), is a series ofillustrations showing a detailed data screen for volume setting.

FIG. 28 is a series of illustrations explaining a scroll action;

FIG. 29 is a series of illustrations explaining a scroll action; and

FIG. 30 is a series of illustrations explaining shift of a detailed datascreen to another screen.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of a communication terminal apparatus according tothe present invention will be described referring to the accompanyingdrawings.

The communication terminal apparatus of the present invention istailored to a hand-held size, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprising amain shell 1, a transmitter 2 pivotably having a microphone unit 13therein and mounted to one side of the main shell 1 for serving as aspeech input unit, and a battery box 3 arranged integral with the mainshell 1 for accommodating therein a set of battery cells.

The main shell 1 consists mainly of two, upper and lower, halves 1a and1b made of a synthetic resin material and joined to each other forming arectangular housing. Installed in the main shell 1 are a speaker unit 7incorporating a speaker assembly, and a printed circuit board carryingthereon speech circuitry components, dial circuitry components,communication circuitry components, and power supply components.

The side of the main shell 1 which acts as an on-hook station for thetransmitter 2 and will be explained later in more detail issubstantially flattened at surface extending length wise. A telescopicantenna 8 is mounted to a top side of the main shell 1 which is at aright angle to the transmitter 2 mounting side. An arcuately projecting,bulged facet 5 is provided on the upper end of a side extendinglengthwise of the main shell 1 opposite to the transmitter mountingside, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The communication terminal apparatus of the present invention includingthe transmitter 2 and the antenna 8 at one side and the arcuate bulgedfacet 5 at the other side is designed so that it can be held securely bythe left hand of a user with its bulged facet 5 situated under aproximal portion of the thumb and its transmitter 2 and antenna 8gripped by the fingers.

The speaker unit 7 is embedded in an arcuately projecting, bulgedspeaker facet 9 provided adjacent to the bulged facet 5 on the frontside of the main shell 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically,the speaker unit 7 is directly mounted on the printed circuit boardinstalled in the main shell 1. The speaker facet 9 has a round recess 9afor accepting and easing a part of the ear of the user. A plurality ofacoustic apertures 7a are arranged in the bottom of the recess 9a of thefacet 9.

The front side of the main shell 1 has an input device 10 mountedthereon beneath the speaker 7 facet 9. The input device 10 comprises anarray of operating keys including a power key 10a, ten, 0 to 9, numeralkeys 10b, a "#" key 10c, a "*" key 10d, a "SEND" key 10e, an "END" key10f, a "MENU" key 10g, and a "CLEAR" key 10h. The keys 10a to 10h aresheet switches electrically connected by their respective flexiblecables to the printed circuit board in the main shell 1.

Also, a recording key 10i which is a member of the input device 10 ismounted on the top side of the main shell 1 to be opposite to theantenna 8. The input device 10 further includes a rotary key 10j mountedbeneath the bulged facet 5 on the other side of the main shell 1.

The transmitter 2 mounted to the on-hook side of the main shell 1comprises an arm 12 extending lengthwise and substantially equal inlength to the main shell 1. The microphone unit 13 is mounted to thedistal end of the arm 12. The arm 12 is made of an elastic material,e.g. rubber, in which the microphone 13 is accommodated. The arm 12 ofthe elastic material has a reinforcement member such as a metal wirespring implanted therein for ease of the recovery from adversedeflection or twist. A plurality of voice pickup apertures 13a areprovided at the microphone 13 in the arm 12.

The mounting of the transmitter 2 to the on-hook side of the main shell1 is by means of a pivotal support 14 secured to the lower end of theon-hook side of the main shell 1 for pivotal movement of the distal endof the arm 12. In action, the transmitter 2 turns about the pivotalsupport 14 in opposite directions denoted by the arrows A and B ofFIG. 1. In other words, the transmitter 2 can move from its on-hookposition on the on-hook side of the main shell 1 where it extendslengthwise as shown in FIG. 2 to its call position where its microphone13 is distanced from the main shell 1 as shown in FIG. 1 for making orreceiving a call.

In addition, a holder 15 is mounted as a member of the on-hook stationon the on-hook side of the main shell 1 for holding the transmitter 2which has been turned to the on-hook position, extending outwardly fromthe lower half 6 of the main shell 1. The holder 15 has an L shape incross section so that it can accept the transmitter 2 through itsopening at the front of the main shell 1 and detachably retain it at theon-hook position. As its extended arm 12 is held in the holder 15, thetransmitter 2 can be protected at the on-hook position.

The transmitter 2 it when comes to its on-hook position in the holder 15is engaged and locked with a lock mechanism 16 mounted to the upper endof the on-hook side of the main shell 1. As best shown in FIG. 2, thelock mechanism 16 comprises a lock pin 18 arranged extending outwardlyfrom the on-hook side of the main shell 1 for engaging with a recess 17provided in the main shell 1 side of the transmitter 2, a leaf spring 19provided for urging the lock pin 18 to extend outwardly from the on-hookside of the main shell 1, and an actuator 20, shown in FIG. 1, mountedto the on-hook side of the main shell 1 for disengaging the lock pin 18from the recess 17 of the transmitter 20 when being pressed inwardlyagainst the urging force of the leaf spring 19. As the transmitter 2 islocked with the lock mechanism 16, it remains securely retained at itson-hook position in the holder 15 and prevented from abrupt removalensuring error-free handling.

For use, the transmitter 2 is released from the lock mechanism 16 bysliding the actuator 20 to press the lock pin 18 inwardly of the mainshell 1 as resisting against the urging force of the leaf spring 19. Asthe result, the transmitter is turnable about the pivot support 14 inthe direction denoted by the arrow A of FIG. 1. It is a good idea thatthe pivot support 14 is provided with an urging means such as a torsionspring for urging the transmitter 2 in the direction of the arrow A. Inthis case, the transmitter 2 is automatically turned in the direction ofthe arrow A upon having been released from the lock mechanism 16 andstays in its call position off the main shell 1, as shown in FIG. 1.

Although the pivot support 14 is provided with the spring which remainsurging the transmitter 2 to depart from the holder 15 of the main shell1 in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 1, the transmitter 2 atthe on-hook position is securely locked with the lock mechanism 16 andwill not escape from the on-hook station.

A detector 21 is provided between the main shell 1 and the transmitter 2for detecting whether the transmitter 2 is at the on-hook position onthe main shell 1 or at the call position with its microphone unit 13distanced from the main shell 1. The detector 21 comprises a Hall device22 mounted to the on-hook side of the main shell 1 for facing thetransmitter 2 at the on-hook position, and a magnetic member 23 mountedto the main shell 1 side of the transmitter 2 for acting as an object tobe detected by the Hall device 22 when the transmitter 2 is at itson-hook position. More particularly, the Hall device 22 is installed inthe main shell 1 and exposed through an aperture 24 provided in theon-hook side of the main shell 1 to the outside. The magnetic member 23is made of a magnetic material or sheet and bonded by e.g. an adhesiveto the main shell 1 side of the arm 12 of the transmitter 2.

When the transmitter 2 is retained at its on-hook position in the holder15 of the main shell 1, a magnetic flux of its magnetic material 23 isdetected by the Hall device 22 of the detector 21 which in turn producesa detection signal indicative of the presence of the transmitter 2 atthe on-hook station. When the transmitter 2 is turned and removed fromthe holder 15, the Hall device 22 of the detector 21 fails to detect themagnetic flux of the magnetic material 23 and generates anotherdetection signal indicating that the transmitter 2 has been removed fromthe on-hook station on the main shell 1 and its microphone unit 13 isspaced from the main shell 1.

The detector 21 for detecting the presence of the transmitter 2 on themain shell 1 may be composed of optical detecting means instead of themagnetic detecting means of the description. For example, anemitter/receiver combination device is installed in the main shell 1while a reflector is mounted on the transmitter 2. The presence of thetransmitter 2 on the main shell 1 is thus detected by examining whetheror not a beam of light emitted from the emitter is reflected on thereflector of the transmitter 2 and received by the receiver.

In addition to the input device or key control 10 including theoperating keys 10a to 10h, a display 25, e.g. an LCD, is provided onsubstantially a center region of the front side of the main shell 1between the speaker facet 9 of the speaker 7 and the key control 10, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The main shell 1 contains a central processing unit (CPU) 31 mounted onthe printed circuit board for serving as a controller.

The CPU 31 drives the display 25 through a display driver circuit 32 fordisplaying a desired font of information entered from the key control10, as shown in FIG. 3.

The CPU 31 is also loaded with the prescribed detection signal of thedetector 21 indicating that the transmitter 2 is held in the holder 15of the main shell 1 or that the same is turned away with its microphoneunit 13 distanced from the main shell 1. The detection signal is used asa control signal for controlling the input control mechanism 10 and atransmitter/receiver circuit 35.

Programs stored in a ROM and data read from a RAM 34 are then suppliedto the CPU 31. In turn, the CPU 31 performs an arithmetic operationaccording to the programs stored in the ROM 33 and/or data saved in theRAM 34.

The CPU 31 controls the action of the transmitter/receiver circuit 35mounted on the printed circuit board of the main shell 1.

The transmitter/receiver circuit 35 controlled by the CPU 31 includes amodulator/demodulator circuit 36 for modulating a voice signal of speechsounds produced with the microphone 13 of the transmitter 2 to yield atransmission signal which is sent out through the antenna 8, anddemodulating a received signal intercepted with the antenna 8 toreproduce a voice signal of the calling party which is then fed to thespeaker 7. The transmitter/receiver circuit 35 also contains a digitalsignal processor (DSP) 37 responsive to the control signal from the CPU31 for processing the voice signal from the microphone unit 13 beforetransmitting it to the modulator/demodulator circuit 36, and processingand transmitting the received signal from the modulator/demodulator 36to the speaker 7. The DSP 37 also includes an amplifier circuit foramplifying the voice signals from the microphone unit 13 and themodulator/demodulator circuit 36, The DSP 37 is further equipped with ahold signal generator circuit responsive to the control signal from theCPU 31 for generating a hold signal when the communication terminalapparatus is busy. The hold signal generated in the hold signalgenerator circuit of the DSP 37 is then modulated by themodulator/demodulator circuit 36 and released through the antenna 8. TheDSP 37 serves as a means for generating the hold signal.

The amplifier circuit for amplifying the voice signal from themicrophone unit 13 and the voice signal to the speaker 7 may be providedseparately of the DSP 37. More particularly, the amplifier circuit maybe connected between the DSP 37 and the microphone unit 13 and betweenthe DSP 37 and the speaker 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 31 is connected to a card socket 36 to whicha subscriber identity module (SIM) card 37 is inserted. Data of asubscriber is read from the SIM card 37 and used by the CPU 31 forperforming a routine mode of control in the terminal apparatus.

The display 25 of the embodiment is an LCD comprising a matrix ofpixels, 32 rows by 97 columns, for display of two different fonts: asmall font consisting of 5 dots high by 7 dots wide as shown in FIGS.4(A) and 4(B) and a large font consisting of 15 dots high by 8 dots wideas shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B). When the small font is selected, thedisplay 25 exhibits up to 4 characters in vertical and 16 characters inhorizontal. If the large font is used, the display 25 shows at best 2characters in vertical and 10 characters in horizontal.

It is now noted that the large font is for displaying characters enteredby the user while the small font is for displaying messages attributedto the terminal apparatus. It is however designed that if the totalnumber of characters entered by the user exceeds a given number(preferably 20), its display is systematically shifted from the largefont to the small font.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of consecutive display screens appearingon the display 25. The display starts with showing beneath a message ofsmall font characters, "input dial No", a group of large font charactersentered by the user until the number of the input characters exceeds 10.If more than 10 of the large font characters are entered, 10 of themmove to the upper row and eliminate the small font message and then, theeleventh and higher large font characters appear at the lower row. Whenthe two, upper and lower, rows in the display 25 have been filled with20 of the large font characters, all the large font characters arereplaced by their corresponding small font characters at once.

As the font is automatically switched from large to small, the largefont allows ease of viewing the display before it is replaced by thesmall font, whereby error reading or entering will be minimized. Even ifa considerable number of small font characters are entered for bulkyinformation, they are viewed on one screen of the display 25 and can beacknowledged with much ease.

The key control 10 will now be explained in more details referring tothe functions of the control keys 10a to 10h on the front side of themain shell 1, the record key 10i on the top side, and the rotary key 10jon the other side.

The power key 10a of the key control 10 located near the top side of themain shell 1 is used for energizing the inner circuit in the mainshell 1. The inner circuit is energized when the power key 10a isdepressed once, and energized when the same is depressed again. If nopersonal identity number (PIN) is entered within 30 seconds after theenergization of the circuit with the power key 10a, the CPU 31 detectsno entry of the PIN and disconnects the inner circuit automatically.This permits energy saving in case of any unintentional energization.

The ten numeral keys 10b located on the front side of the main shell 1are provided for entry of numbers and as well as alphabetical letters.The alphabetical letters are allocated to the eight, "2" to "9", keysexcluding the "0" and "1" keys. For instance, a, b, and c are assignedto the "2" key and d, e, and f are assigned to the "3" key, and so on.

When the key is pressed once, the first of its three alphabeticalletters is entered. When it is pressed twice, the second letter isinput. When it is pressed three times, the third letter is entered. Thenumeral keys 10b are also used for selecting the number of a desiredoption on the screen. With a list of telephone numbers appearing on thedisplay, hitting a target number key for a predetermined length of time,e.g. one second, results in initiating a call to a telephone numberdesignated to the key. In other words, the numeral keys 10b provide aspeed dialing or number-in-memory function.

The SEND key 10e is used for executing the call to the telephone numberselected from the list of telephone numbers on the display and forreviewing a history of calls.

The end key 10f is provided for stopping the call. Also, the call isstopped when the transmitter 2 is turned back to the on-hook position onthe main shell 1. When the transmitter 2 has been turned about the pivotsupport 14 from its call position in the direction of the arrow B shownin FIG. 1 and comes to the on-hook position in the holder 15 on theon-hook side of the main shell 1, its presence is detected by thedetector 21 which in turn delivers a detection signal for terminatingthe call. More specifically, upon its Hall device 22 intercepting anintensity of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic material 23 of thetransmitter 2, the detector 21 yields the detection signal indicative ofthe presence of the transmitter 2 at the on-hook station.

The menu key 10g is used for switching between a start screen and a menuscreen on the display 25. For example, while the start screen appears onthe display 25 as shown in FIG. 7(A), pressing of the menu key 10gshifts from the start screen to the menu screen shown in FIG. 7(B).Then, a scroll movement, which will be described later, allows thedisplay 25 to access a screen shown in FIG. 7(C) like as turning to anew page. When the menu key 10g is pressed with the menu screenappearing, the display 25 instantly shifts to the start screen. Theclear key 10h functions returning to the preceding screen or page asshown in FIG. 8.

Another function of the menu key 10g is to disable the key locking whichinhibits the entry action of the main keys 10a to 10h, record key 10i,and rotary key 10j of the key control 10.

The record key 10i is used for recording and playing back acommunication in progress. For ease of the control by one hand, therecord key 10i is located on the top side of the main shell 1 away fromthe on-hook side where the transmitter 2 is retained.

Finally, the function of the rotary key 10j as an input means isexplained. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary key 10j is located in theproximal region of the bulged facet 5 on the other side of the mainshell 1 opposite to the on-hook side where the transmitter 1 is held sothat it can be manipulated like the record key 10i by the same handwhich holds the main shell 1.

The rotary key 10j is capable of being controlled in circumferentialdirections and radial directions respectively. As shown in FIG. 9, therotary key 10j comprises a disk assembly for rotating about a rotaryshaft O in the two circumferential directions denoted by the arrows Cand D and also acting as a rotary encoder, a slide plate (not shown) forsliding in the radial directions denoted by the arrows E and F, and aslide switch SW. The slide plate and slide switch SW remain urged in theE direction.

The rotary shaft O is fixedly mounted to the slide plate so that whenthe rotary key 10j is pressed in the F direction, its disk assembly orrotary encoder moves inwardly together with the slide plate to turn onthe switch SW. The on and off action of the switch SW is detected by theCPU 31 which in turn judges whether or not the rotary key 10j is clickeddown.

The rotary encoder movable along with the slide plate comprises, asshown in FIG. 10, two disks 61 and 62. The disk 61 is a rotating membermounted to the upper side of the other disk 62, which is fixedly mountedto the slide plate, so that the disk 61 can rotate relative to the disk62. The rotatable disk 61 has two, inner and outer, contact electrodes63 mounted to one side thereof. The contact electrodes 63 are designedto run directly along 20 pairs of stationary electrodes 64 mounted tothe perimeter of the disk 62. Each pair of the inner and outerstationary electrodes 64 on the disk 62 are spaced radially anddislocated from each other circumferentially.

When the rotary key 10j is rotated in the C direction of FIG. 9, apotential at the inner electrode is declined earlier than that at theouter electrode as shown in FIG. 11(A). In reverse, when the rotary key10j is turned in the D direction of FIG. 9, a potential at the outerelectrode is decayed earlier than that at the inner electrode as shownin FIG. 11(B). By examining whether the inner or outer electrode has anearlier potential decay, the rotating direction of the rotary key 10j isdetermined. Also, the rotating distance of the rotary key 10j ismeasured by counting a number of output pulses from the outer electrode.

A typical control with the rotary key 10j will now be explained. Withthe menu screen being shown on the display 25, any of menu options canbe selected as pointed with a cursor K which is moved upward anddownward by the upward and downward rotating movements of the rotary key10j. When the rotary key 10j is pressed inwardly (or clicked), an accessto data of the option pointed by the cursor K is demanded to the CPU 31.

With the list of telephone numbers on the display 25, the pressing ofthe rotary key 10j for a predetermined period of time starts a call.During the call, the magnitude of a received sound can be controlled byrotating the rotary key 10j. If the rotary key 10j is clicked during thecall, a muting function sets out to kill the received sound temporarily.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing common steps of controlling with therotary key 10j.

Upon a desired choice on the telephone number list or redialing screenbeing selected and clicked with the rotary key 10j, its detailedinformation appears on the display 25. After the rotary key 10j remainsdepressed for the period of time, a call to the telephone number pointedwith the cursor K is automatically started. Recalling the previousdisplay is done by turning the rotary key 10j upward or downward tolocate the cursor K on the screen.

The procedure of operation of the key control 10 including the keys 10ato 10j of which functions have been described above will be explained inmore details referring to FIG. 13.

The procedure starts with switching on the power key 10a forenergization of the terminal apparatus and entering the PIN data of auser. After a corresponding set of the keys 10a to 10f and 10h to 10jare actuated at Step S101, it is examined at Step S102 whether or notthe transmitter 2 is at its call position as having been released fromthe holder 15 on the on-hook side of the main shell 1. If the detector21 produces a yes detection signal indicating that transmitter 2 hasbeen turned about the pivot support 14 in the A direction of FIG. 1 andis at its call position off the main shell 1, the procedure goes to StepS103 where the CPU 31 enables the operating keys 10a to 10j. As desiredones of the keys 10a to 10j are actuated by the user, their functionsare executed. For example, pressing the menu key 10g changes the display25 from the start screen to the menu screen. Also, by enabling andmanipulating the rotary key 10j, a call to a desired telephone numbercan be made. Furthermore, an action of registering and editing telephonenumbers on the telephone number list, described later, may be carriedout using the numeral keys 10b.

When a no detection signal is released from the detector 21 at Step S102which indicates that the transmitter 2 has been turned about the pivotsupport 14 in the B direction of FIG. 1 and is at its on-hook positionin the holder 15 on the on-hook side of the main shell 1, the proceduremoves to Step S104. It is then examined at Step S104 whether the menukey 10g is actuated or not. If not, the start screen is maintained andshown on the display 25. When it is judged that the menu key 10g isactuated, the procedure advances to Step S105 where the CPU 31 commandsdisplay of the menu screen on the display 25.

Then, the CPU 31 examines any key action during a period of time afterthe display of the menu screen at Step S106. If it is judged by the CPU31 at Step S106 that non of the keys 10a to 10j is actuated for theperiod, the procedure goes to Step S107 where the CPU 31 disables thekeys 10a and 10j and automatically shifts the display 25 from the menuscreen to the start screen.

When one or more of the keys 10a to 10j are actuated during the periodat Step S108, the procedure goes to Step S109 where it is examined bythe CPU 31 whether the menu key 10g is actuated or not. If it is judgedthat the menu key 10g is actuated again, the CPU 31 closes the menuscreen at Step S110 and displays the start screen on the display 25inhibiting the action of the keys 10a to 10f and 10h and 10j whileenabling the menu key 10g.

If it is judged by the CPU 31 at Step S109 that any other of the keys10a to 10f and 10h to 10j than the menu key 10g is actuated, theprocedure moves to Step S111. The CPU 31 allows at Step S111 thefunction of any of the keys 10a to 10f and 10h to 10j to be enabled. Forinstance, if the rotary key 10j is actuated, its function of making acall can be implemented.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the communication terminal apparatus of thepresent invention has five modes of transmission control which includemainly a mode of using the telephone number list, a mode of redialing, amode of entering a telephone number directly, and a mode of using aone-touch speed dialing.

The mode of using the telephone number list will first be described.

A call using the telephone number list starts with releasing thetransmitter 2 from its on-hook position on the main shell 1 to locateits microphone 13 away from the main shell 1, or holding an externalmicrophone connected to the main shell 1, or setting a hand-free kitconnected to the main shell 1. Then, clicking of the rotary key 10jshifts the display 25 from the start screen such as shown in FIG. 16(A)to the telephone number list screen such as shown in FIG. 16(B).

The telephone number list comprises, as shown in FIG. 17, a frequent usecolumn containing a group of names and their telephone numbers labeled 1to 9 which may be used at higher frequencies, and an alphabetical ordercolumn containing all the registered names and their telephone numbersin an alphabetical order (including the names from 1 to 9 and theirtelephone numbers in the frequent use column).

Upon the display 25 shifting to and showing the telephone number list,the cursor K points out the first of options or an address number 1 ofthe list. As the rotary key 10j is turned downwardly in the D directionof FIG. 10, the cursor K moves from 1 to 2, 3, . . . . If the rotary key10j is rotated upwardly in the C direction, the cursor K travels frombottom to Z, Y, X . . . .

With the rotary key 10j driving the cursor K to point out, an entry canbe made through an address number or alphabetic name. Assuming that "1"and "9" of the numeral keys 10b are assigned to the nine address numbersrespectively which represent a group of frequently usable telephonenumbers, pressing a desired one of the keys 10b causes the cursor K tofly to and points out the corresponding address number on the screen. Anexample of this action is shown in FIG. 18.

When the display shows the alphabetical order list, the cursor K ismoved to a desired name by hitting a corresponding one of the "1" to "9"numeral keys 10b. For example, when the "2" key 10b is pressed, thecursor K moves to the letter A on the screen. When the "3" key 10b ispressed, the cursor K moves to the letter D. If no name starting from Dis found, the cursor K points out a name starting from E. If E is notfound, the cursor K goes to a name starting from the next letter.

The following steps of the procedure will be explained referring to FIG.16(C) where the cursor K is moved to a target name, Jack, labeled withthe address number 5. As there are more than one methods following thisstep, use of the rotary key 10j is now selected.

When the rotary key 10j is clicked on Jack, more detailed data appearson the display 25 as shown in FIG. 16(D) Then, depressing the rotary key10j for one second starts a call to Jack. At the moment, the display 25shows a flashing action as shown in FIG. 16(E).

If the name is desired to change on the detailed data screen of FIG.16(D), the rotary key 10j is turned upwardly or downwardly in the C or Ddirection of FIG. 10. For example, the upward turning of the rotary key10j in the C direction with the current screen such as shown in FIG.19(B), the display turns back to the preceding screen. At the time, thecursor K is also shifted from the current option of the previous option.More specifically, the cursor K moves from the address number 5 forEllis to the address number 4 for John in FIG. 19(C).

When the screen shown in FIG. 16(D) remains intact for a predeterminedperiod of time, e,g, 30 seconds, it is judged that no call is wanted andthen followed by closing the list of telephone numbers and returning tothe start screen shown in FIG. 16(A). This automatic action preventsmaking of any unintentional call which may be triggered by accidentalhitting of the key during transportation of the communication terminalapparatus in a case or bag, as will systematically be executed with thedisplay showing a list.

For making a call from the telephone number list screen, the SEND key10e may be used with the display shown in FIG. 16(D). As the call ismade when the detailed data screen has been displayed in the above case,it may be commenced directly from the list screen according to afunction of the embodiment. For example, pressing the SEND key 10e withthe display shown in FIG. 16(C) can start a call to the person pointedwith the cursor K. Also, pressing a desired one of the numeral keys 10bfor one second produces a direct call.

The redialing mode will be explained referring to FIGS. 14(G) to 14(H).A redialing list opens when the SEND key 10e is pressed on the startscreen. Hitting the SEND key 10e shifts the display from the startscreen shown in FIG. 14(A) to the redialing list shown in FIG. 14(G)where a record of calls is viewed indicating transmitted telephonenumbers and names. Selecting and calling a desired telephone number orname can be made directly from the redialing list by the same manner aswith the prescribed list screen.

When no action is made for a predetermined period of time, e.g. 30seconds, after the redialing list shown in FIG. 14(G) appears, it isjudged that no call is wanted and the display returns to the startscreen shown in FIG. 14(A). This prevents error calls which may betriggered by accidental pressing of the corresponding keys with theredialing list on the display during transportation of the communicationterminal apparatus in a case or bag.

The communication terminal apparatus of the present invention may alsohave a function to indicate a time record of the previous call, as shownin FIG. 14(H) where the time record is 4:25, and a duration of thecurrent call, as shown in FIG. 15(J) where the duration is 0:00:55.

The procedure of calling by entering a telephone number will bedescribed.

A call is made by directly entering the telephone number of a receiverwith the start screen shown in FIG. 14(A). As the display has changedfrom the start screen shown in FIG. 14(A) to a screen shown in FIG.14(K), the telephone number is viewed in the large font. Then, thetelephone number entered by the user and displayed is examined and ifcorrect, the SEND key 10e is pressed. As the result, the screen shown isflashed at intervals such as shown in FIG. 15(L) starting transmissionof a signal.

The procedure of calling by using a speed dialing will be explained.

Two modes are available in the procedure: pressing a corresponding oneof the numeral keys 10b for a predetermined period of time and using acombination of the # key 10c and the numeral key 10b.

The former is shown in FIGS. 15(O) to 15(P) where the numeral key 10bonly is used. When the user keeps depressing for e.g. one second thenumeral key 10b representing a desired address number shown on thescreen of FIG. 14(B), the display 25 is shifted to a correspondingdetailed data screen shown in FIG. 14(C) starting a call.

The latter is shown in FIGS. 14(Q), 15(S), and 15(S) where both thenumeral key 10b and the # key 10c are used. When the user presses thenumeral key 10b representing a desired address number shown on thescreen of FIG. 14(B) and hits the # key 10c, the display 25 is shiftedto a corresponding detailed data screen shown in FIG. 14(Q). Then, thecall is started by pressing the SEND key 10e.

The call explained above is then intercepted by a person at the otherend of the line carrying out an off-hook action (picking up a handset).This on-line state of the communication terminal apparatus will bedescribed.

At the time, the communication terminal apparatus drives the detectormechanism 21 to examine whether the transmitter 2 is at the on-hookposition on the main shell 1 or its microphone unit 13 is kept at thecall position distanced from the main shell 1. The detection signal ofthe detector mechanism 21 is used for controlling the output of a voicesignal from the microphone 13 or the input to the speaker 7.

During the call, when the transmitter 2 of the communication terminalapparatus is turned to its on-hook position and held in the holder 15 onthe on-hook side of the main shell 1, the Hall device 22 of the detectormechanism 21 senses an intensity of magnetic flux from the magneticmaterial 23 of the transmitter 2 thus yielding a detection signalindicative of the presence of the transmitter 2 at the on-hook position.The detection signal is transmitted to the CPU 31 which in turn actuatesthe DSP 37 in the transmitter/receiver circuit 35. Accordingly, the DSP37 controls the level of the voice signal of the microphone unit 13 tomute an input to the modulator/demodulator circuit 36. The presence ofthe transmitter 2 on its on-hook position causes the detector mechanism21 to produce and transmit the detection signal to the CPU 31 which inturn drives the transmitter/receiver circuit 35 to mute the voice signalfrom the microphone unit 13. In this respect, the DSP 37 also serves ameans for muting the voice output from the transmitter 2 and the voiceinput to the speaker 7.

While the CPU 31 in response to the detection signal from the detectormechanism 21 indicative of the presence of the transmitter 2 at itson-hook position mutes the voice signal transmitted from the microphoneunit 13 to the transmitter/receiver circuit 35 during the communication,it drives the DSP 37 to generate a hold signal. The hold signal is fedto the modulator/demodulator circuit 36 for modulation and sent outthrough the antenna 8. As explained, the hold signal is generated andtransmitted upon the voice output of the microphone unit 13 being mutedso that it can inform the calling party that the line remains connected.

Also, the CPU 31 in responsive to the detection signal from the detectormechanism 21 indicative of the presence of the transmitter 2 at itson-hook position can instruct the amplifier circuit of the DSP 37, whichamplifies the voice input to the speaker 7, to mute an audible soundfrom the speaker 7.

The transmission of the hold signal may be canceled as desired, evenwhen the voice signal from the microphone unit 13 to thetransmitter/receiver circuit 35 has been muted. For selectingtransmission or non-transmission of the hold signal, any of theoperating keys 10a to 10j of the input control mechanism 10 isdesignated as a dedicated selector switch.

When the transmitter 2 is turned about the pivot support 14 in thedirection A shown in FIG. 1 to the call position with the microphone 13mounted to the distal end of its arm 12 spaced away from the main shell1 during the communication but with either the voice output from themicrophone 13 or the voice input to the speaker 7 being muted, itsmagnetic material 23 departs from the Hall device 22 which becomesdisable to detect the magnetic flux of the magnetic material 23.Accordingly, the detector mechanism 21 produces and transmits adetection signal indicative of the removal of the transmitter 2 from themain shell 1. The absence detection signal is then fed to the CPU 31which in turn cancels the muting of the voice output from the microphoneunit 13 or the voice input to the speaker 7. As the result, the voicesignal from the microphone unit 13 is further transmitted through theantenna 8 and the voice input to the speaker 7 is converted to anaudible sound.

The communication terminal apparatus of the present invention isprovided with a muting function for muting the voice output from themicrophone unit 13 or the voice input to the speaker 7 upon thetransmitter 2 being turned back to its on-hook position.

The procedure of registering and editing a telephone number or name onthe telephone number list in the communication terminal apparatus willbe explained.

The procedure starts with pressing the menu key 10g to open the menuscreen and selecting an option of Telbook Edit. There are two differentmanners of registering. A first manner consists of selecting an optionof New Register and entering a telephone number to be registered. Thecursor K is moved to New Register by the user operating the rotary key10j and clicked (See FIG. 20(B)).

Then, the display turns to a screen shown in FIG. 20(C) and entry of adesired name to be registered is demanded. When a set of the numeralkeys 10b are pressed, corresponding alphabetical letters of the largefont appear in the screen. If the letters in the screen is correct, theyare registered by clicking the rotary key 10j and the display moves to ascreen for registering a telephone number. The telephone numbers arethen entered and registered by controlling the rotary key 10j. As theresult, the name and telephone number are newly loaded in a vacant rowof the telephone number list as shown in FIG. 20(D).

A second manner consists of selecting an unused address number andregistering a desired name for the number. The cursor K is first movedto the unused address number as shown in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B) where thenumber is 7. Then, clicking of the rotary key 10j causes the display 25to demand entry of the name.

This is followed by the same steps as of the first manner for enteringthe name with a set of the numeral keys 10b and registering it byclicking the rotary key 10j. A corresponding telephone number is thenentered by following an instruction message as shown in FIG. 21(D)before registering with the rotary key 10j. The procedure of registeringis now completed.

The procedure of editing starts with locating the cursor K to a name tobe edited and clicking the rotary key 10j. The editing mode screenappears upon accessing the name or choice which has been registered. Theediting mode screen has several options including Edit, Delete, and Swapwhile showing the name accessed. The user can select any of the optionson the screen using the rotary key 10j.

For example, when Delete is selected, the display 25 turns to a screenshown in FIG. 23(D) where it is questioned if you are sure to delete. Ifyes is selected, the action of Delete is done.

When Swap is chosen, the display 25 shifts to a screen shown in FIG.22(F), demanding entry of a target address number to be swapped with. Asthe address number is typed and clicked with the rotary key 10j, theswapping is done. A resultant screen is shown in FIG. 22(G) where 8 isreplaced by 6.

When Edit is selected, both the name and telephone number to be editedare indicated on their respective screens shown in FIGS. 22(H) and22(I). After the editing is done with clicking the rotary key 10j, thedisplay turns to a screen shown in FIG. 22(J).

The menu mode displayed on the display 25 by hitting the menu key 10g ofthe key control 10 will be explained. The menu mode comprises a group ofmain screens and their subscreens which can be retrieved by operatingthe rotary key 10j. FIG. 23 illustrates the main screens, W1 to W10,installed in the communication terminal apparatus of the embodiment. Themenu subscreens are shown in FIGS. 24 t 27.

The first main screen W1 has two options, Telbook for accessing to thetelephone number list and Mode for setting a mode. Telbook providesregistering a new dial number list and editing the telephone numberlist. When Mode is selected, the display changes to a Mode screen shownin FIG. 24(A) where several setting options are displayed for optimumenvironment. The screen of FIG. 24(A) shows four mode options of Normal,Pocket, Silent, and Driving.

In Pocket mode, for example, a ringer is switched on for maximum ringingand the key lock is turned on. This allows the user to hardly miss aringing sound under noisy conditions and to avoid unwanted key actions.

Silence mode causes the ringer to switch off and allows the display 25to flash indicating reception of a call. For example, the user canacknowledge an incoming call without disturbing people around in acrowded commute train. Also, this mode provides an extra function ofautomatically disconnecting a call when no answer is made.

In Driving mode, an answer can be made without any key action uponreceiving a call.

The second main screen W2 is designed for setting a short message (SMS)and displays three options: Delete, Make Send, and Read. When Make Sendis selected, the display moves to subscreens for writing a new messageto be transmitted, using an original pattern message, and retrieving arecorded message which has been transmitted or received.

Selection of Read is followed by a subscreen for storing or deleting aread message, or replying by phone or with a short message.

The third main screen W3 is provided for setting a time (Time) and hasfour options: Set for setting a time, Alarm for setting an alarm time,Sleep for setting an OFF time, and Wake up for setting an ON time.

The fourth main screen W4 is designed for setting a public lie-ditmobile network (PLMN) and has two options: Sel Mode (selection mode) andSearch. The former is selected for setting a network by a manual mode oran automatic mode. The latter is used for automatically searching anddisplaying an available network.

The fifth main screen W5 is provided for setting a personalidentification number (PIN) and displays two options: Control andChange. The former is used for determining entry of an ID number as aninitial requirement to limit the use to eligible personals. The latteris selected for changing an ID number.

The sixth main screen W6 is provided for setting a forwarding action(Forward) and has three options: Intrro (interrogation), Erase, andRegist (registration). Intrro is selected for interrogating a forwardingservice to the network. Erase and Regist are used for erasing andregistering a forwarding target respectively.

The seventh main screen W7 is designed for setting a barring of outgoingcalls (BarOut) and has three options: BOIC-exHC (barring of outgoinginternational calls except those directed to the HPLMN country), BOIC(barring of outgoing international calls), and BAOC (barring of alloutgoing calls). Any option will be selected for determining a desiredmode of the setting.

The eighth main screen W8 is provided for setting a barring of incomingcalls (BarCome) and has two options: BICroam (barring of incoming callsin roaming except those from the PLMN country) and BAIC (barring of allincoming calls). Either option will be selected for determining adesired mode of the setting.

The ninth main screen W9 is provided for setting a charge data anddisplays two options: Reset and Check. The former is selected forresetting the charge data while the latter is used for displaying thecharge data.

The tenth main screen W10 is designed for accessing a setting list(Setting List) and contains five subscreens shown in FIG. 25. Throughscrolling down, the tenth screen is shifted to the first main screen W1.

The five subscreens of the tenth menu W10 are now explained startingwith a first subscreen SW1 which displays four options: Call ID Present,Language Select, Any Key Answer, and 1 Min Beep. Call ID Present is usedfor forwarding the telephone number of the transmitter to a receiver.Any Key Answer is for allowing any key to start an answer. 1 Min Beep isselected for emitting a beep sound at every one minute to indicateconsumption of time.

A second subscreen SW2 contains four option: Ringer Select, LowSignalWarn, LowBattery Warn, and Ringer Volume. When Ringer Select is clicked,three ringer options are displayed as shown in FIG. 26 and from whichone is selected. Ringer Volume allows selection of a desired volume fromthree different levels shown in FIG. 26.

A third subscreen SW3 has four options: LCD Density for determining theintensity of light on LCD, Change PIN2 for modifying a personal IDnumber, AutoVolume CTRL for increasing a sound automatically whenbackground noise is high, and Noise Reduction.

A fourth subscreen SW4 on the display 25 displays four options: ClockDisplay for indicating a time, SMS ServCenter for changing the addressof a service center, SMS Enquiry for indicating the receipt of a shortmessage at a receiver, and SMS Telmatic for sending a short message to afacsimile.

A fifth subscreen SW5 provides three options: SMS Class for weighting ashort message depending on its significance, Change Password formodifying a password which controls calls with its extra serviceallowance, and Charge ACMM for limiting the number of calls to an upperlimit.

The scrolling on the display 25 of the communication terminal apparatusfor high-speed paging of the main screens or subscreens in one mode willbe described referring to FIGS. 28 and 29.

When the cursor K is moved upward from the top of options in the currentscreen, the display shifts from the current screen to the precedingscreen with the cursor K appearing at the top of options. Also, if thecursor K is moved downward from the bottom of options in the currentscreen, the display shifts from the current screen to the succeedingscreen with the cursor K locating at the bottom of options.

This scrolling action allows the cursor K to be quickly moved from onescreen to another.

Although the foregoing functions are conducted with the rotary key 10jwhich serves as an input device for locating the cursor K and selectingoptions through rotating and clicking actions, any other device havingtwo discrete controls for locating the cursor and selecting optionsrespectively will be used with equal success.

For example, a turnable control key may be used of which movement islimited to a given angle. It is also possible to employ a slidablecontrol lever or a track ball with a click control. A slide switch witha click control may be utilized. Any of them is applicable to theembodiment thus providing a communication terminal apparatus which has aminimum number of keys and is improved in the portability.

The upward and downward movements of the rotary key 10j is not limitedto driving the cursor K upward and downward as described in theembodiment, but may be assigned to leftward and rightward movements ofthe cursor K.

In the embodiment, when the rotary key 10j is turned upwards with thedetailed data screen of the telephone number list mode, the display isshifted back to the menu or telephone number list screen with the cursorK appearing on the name of which detailed data has been displayed.However, it may be modified, as shown in FIG. 30, to move to a detaileddata screen of the preceding name in the list when the rotary key 10jbeing turned upward and to a detailed data screen of the following nameof the list when turned downward. In this case, returning to the menuscreen can be executed with the clear key 10h.

Although the telephone number list in the embodiment consists ofalphabetical letters, it may be written in Japanese Katakanas.

According to the embodiment, the shifting from the ordering of names byfrequency in the telephone number list to the alphabetical order is madeusing the rotary key 10j. This shifting action may be carried out with aspecific shift key or a combination with any of the existing front sidekeys, e.g. the # key 10c.

Although characters on the display 25 of the embodiment are expressed bythe two, large and small, fonts, they may comprise three, large, small,and medium, fonts.

The ID cards for storage of administration data for subscribers are notlimited to the SIM cards in the embodiment but any other stipulatedcards may be used.

In the embodiment, the cursor K is jumped from the top of the currentscreen to the top of the preceding screen by the scrolling control andfrom the bottom of the current screen to the bottom of the followingscreen. The scrolling control may be enabled for shifting the cursor Keither from the top of the current screen to the top of the precedingscreen or from the bottom of the current screen to the bottom of thefollowing screen.

Also, it is a good idea to allow jumping of the cursor K from anylocation in the current screen to the following screen by the downwardcontrol and shifting of the cursor K from one option to the otherlocated above by the upward control. Possibly, jumping of the cursor Kfrom any location in the current screen to the preceding screen may betriggered by the upward control, and shifting of the cursor K from oneoption to the other located below may be executed by the downwardcontrol.

Industrial Applications

The communication terminal apparatus according to the present inventionallows the movement of the transmitter, which has a microphone unittherein acting as a speech input device and is arranged movable relativeto the main shell, to be used for controlling the muting of voicesignals on the transmitter and speaker. Hence, no extra key fortriggering a muting function is needed. The communication terminalapparatus is capable of performing multi-function operations with theuse of a smaller number of keys, thus decreasing its overall size andweight.

The voice signals on the transmitter and speaker are muted selectivelyduring communications to prevent emission or transmission of an unwantedsound, whereby the convenience in signal transmission and receiving willbe improved.

The muting of the voice signals on the transmitter and speaker isselectively implemented by the movement of the transmitter and will beimproved in the controllability. Also, the muting state is recognized byviewing the transmitter at its on-hook position and its faultinvolvement will be avoided.

As the hold signal is generated and transmitted upon the muting action,it informs a person at the other end of the line that the line remainsconnected, thus preventing communication error.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telephone terminal apparatus comprising:speechinput means movable between a position adjacent to a main shell and aposition distanced from the main shell for calling; speech output meansfor reproducing a received signal as an audible sound; detector meansfor detecting a position of the speech input means and producing adetection signal; controller means responsive to the detection signalfrom the detector means for effecting control of muting means includedin the controller means to perform a muting operation on a telephonicvoice signal based on the position of the speech input means detected bythe detector means; and means for generating a hold signal in responseto the muting operation of the muting means.
 2. A telephone terminalapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the muting means performs themuting operation when the detection signal from the detector meansindicates that the speech input means is located at the positionadjacent to the main shell.
 3. A telephone terminal apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the speech input means comprises an arm pivotablymounted to the main shell for movement between an on-hook positionadjacent to the main shell and a call position distanced from the mainshell, and a microphone unit mounted to the arm.
 4. A telephone terminalapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the detector means comprises adetection target mounted to one of the arm of the speech input means andthe main shell, and a detector mounted to the other of the arm of thespeech input means and the main shell.
 5. A telephone terminal apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the detector means comprises a detectiontarget mounted to one of the arm of the speech input means and the mainshell, and a detector mounted to the other of the arm and the mainshell.
 6. A telephone terminal apparatus according to claim 4 whereinthe detection target is a magnet and the detector is a Hall device.
 7. Atelephone terminal apparatus comprising:speech input means movablebetween a position adjacent to a main shell and a position distancedfrom the main shell for calling; speech output means for reproducing areceived signal as an audible sound; detector means for detecting aposition of the speech input means and producing a detection signal;controller means responsive to the detection signal from the detectormeans for effecting control of muting means included in the controllermeans to perform a muting operation on a telephonic voice signal basedon the position of the speech input means detected by the detectormeans; and means for generating a hold signal in response to the mutingoperation of the muting means.
 8. A telephone terminal apparatuscomprising:speech input means movable between a position adjacent to amain shell and a position distanced from the main shell for calling;speech output means for reproducing a received signal as an audiblesound; detector means for detecting a position of the speech input meansand producing a detection signal; controller means responsive to thedetection signal from the detector means for effecting control of mutingmeans included in the controller means to perform a muting operation ona telephonic voice signal when the detector means detects that thespeech input means is located adjacent to the main shell; and means forgenerating a hold signal in response to the muting operation of themuting means and for transmitting the hold signal to a calling party. 9.A telephone terminal apparatus comprising:a microphone module movablebetween an on-hook position adjacent to a main shell and a call positiondistanced from the main shell; transmitter/receiver means for modulatingand transmitting an output signal from the microphone module, and fordemodulating and reproducing an input signal; a speaker module foremitting an audible sound corresponding to a demodulated input signalfrom the transmitter/receiver means; detector means for detecting aposition of the microphone module and producing a detection signal; andcontroller means responsive to the detection signal from the detectormeans for effecting control of muting means included in the controllermeans to perform a muting operation on a telephonic voice signal basedon the position of the microphone module detected by the detector means;and means for generating a hold signal in response to the mutingoperation of the muting means and for transmitting the hold signal tothe transmitter/receiver means in order to be transmitted by thetransmitter/receiver means.
 10. A telephone terminal apparatus accordingto claim 9, wherein the muting means mutes an output signal from themicrophone module when the detector detects that the microphone moduleis located at the on-hook position.
 11. A telephone terminal apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the microphone module comprises an arm anda microphone unit, the arm having a proximal end and a distal end, theproximal end being pivotably mounted to the main shell and themicrophone unit being mounted to the distal end of the arm.
 12. Atelephone terminal apparatus comprising:a microphone module movablebetween an on-hook position adjacent to a main shell and a call positiondistanced from the main shell; transmitter/receiver means for modulatingand transmitting an output signal from the microphone module, and fordemodulating and reproducing an input signal; a speaker module foremitting an audible sound corresponding to a demodulated input signalfrom the transmitter/receiver means; detector means for detecting aposition of the microphone module and producing a detection signal;controller means responsive to the detection signal from the detectormeans for effecting control of muting means included in the controllermeans to perform a muting operation on a telephonic voice signal basedon the position of the microphone module detected by the detector means;and means for generating a hold signal in response to the mutingoperation of the muting means, and for transmitting the hold signal tothe transmitter/receiver means in order to be transmitted by thetransmitter/receiver means.